Movies or TV series can be so far from reality.
Scenario: A friend is too drunk to drive home after partying the whole night at a local club or bar. So the other friend offers to drive that person home in their car.
Reality: This can’t always be done. It can be done when that person don’t have insurance on their car. The reason for this, is that Insurance companies (in South Africa for that matter), will only payout the insured amount on the car (if in accident), if the driver or specified drivers, drove the car.
If it is a person who is not specified on your cover, then the Insurance company will not pay out the insured amount when in an accident.
I do understand that one wants to help that person and that if you are sober, then the chances of getting into an accident, is minimal. But sometimes you can get in an accident by someone else’s fault. Then what?
I think that I would rather call a Taxi for that particular drunk person and then leave take the keys of that car with me, leaving a note in their wallet for when they are sober the next day.
What would you do?
Yes, probably a taxi. Thankfully we do have a number of places on a bus or train route so that is a convenient solution.
This just reminds me I drove my daughters car for two months while on holiday in CT now and was not covered by her insurance – shew, glad we didn’t have any accident.
I would drive the other person home, not put them in a taxi after all I would have my own car there as well. Make sure the person got into bed safely as one has no idea what can happen in a taxi ( in SA) and then they drop the person at their front door….who looks after them after that point…..or I take the person home with me to sleep in my couch!
Actually, I’m in the industry… and it’s fairly standard insurance practice the last couple of years actually (just check with your company – most of them will be fine) to cover all legal drivers (if you have a licence you’re fine). You don’t have to specify a new driver anymore, like I say, in MOST cases.
But back to me….I would drive the person myself if it wasn’t too far out of my way otherwise call a taxi for them.
Let me shock you further – only 25% of private drivers are insured…. Seriously. I always think when I’m driving home and at a 4-way stop. I’m insured so chances are the 3 around me aren’t
scary!
I took my daughter for a driving lesson when she had a learner’s license thinking I was covered because I was in charge of the vehicle. We had an accident and I found out that I wasn’t covered. It can be difficult sometimes in different situations!
Ag, I have been in this situation more than once. As a non-drinker I am forever the go-to person. i simply take their keys and drive them home in MY car. Then its their responsibility to make arrangements to fetch their car the next day.
I am with Outsurance and we dont have to specify drivers – they cover all legally licenced drivers.
This problem is addressed (and not addressed) in many ways here. They push for a designated driver. Some cities have numbers you can call and a ride home will be provided for you, and there are others.
I don’t drink! Alcohol is a poison.
I will take them home in my car and they will really have to see to their own the next day.